No further action over Islam school arrests

No further action will be taken against three men arrested after an investigation into an Islamic school for girls in Lancaster. Police were called to the Jamea Al Kauthar school to investigate claims of sexual assault and false imprisonment.

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Superintendent Andy Webster of Lancashire Constabulary has said that searches are ongoing at an Islamic school for girls following reports of sexual abuse, but that it is being treated as an "isolated incident".

He added that detectives were trying to identify the alleged victims and that it is not known whether they are current or former pupils at the school.

Police investigating sexual abuse claims at an Islamic girls' school in Lancaster have set up dedicated phone lines for concerned families, both in the UK and abroad.

Three men were arrested at the Jamea al Kauthar school after an incident was reported to police on Saturday.

The number for parents in the UK is 0800 092 0410 and for those calling from outside the UK call 0207 158 0124.”

“We are still at the very early stages of what is a complex investigation. We have a team of specialist detectives working to establish the full circumstances around exactly what has happened, as well as offering support to those involved.

“Our aim at this stage is to respond to the concerns raised proportionately and with sensitivity, and in a way that we can minimise the impact on the school and the surrounding local community.

“We are working with partner organisations to ensure the necessary safeguarding measures are in place for all students at the school."

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Police have arrested three men on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment within the grounds of an Islamic girls' school in Lancaster.

Police presence at the Jamea Al Kauthar school in Lancashire Credit: ITV Granada

A 40-year-old and 30-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment and a 53-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment. All three are currently in custody.

Police have arrested three men on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment within the grounds of an Islamic girls' school in Lancaster.

A 40-year-old man from Bolton and a 30-year-old man from Blackburn have been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment and a 53-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and sexual assault following an incident within the grounds of an Islamic girls’ school.

Police say they are investigating reports surrounding the welfare of a small group of teenage girls in the grounds of the Islamic School for Girls in Lancaster.

An investigation has been launched after a report was made to police involving concern for the welfare of a small group of teenage girls within the grounds of the Islamic School for Girls in Lancaster.

We are still at the very early stages of the investigation and our aim at the moment is to respond to the concerns raised proportionately, in a measured way and with sensitivity.

Searches at the school are being conducted by specialist, female officers with sensitivity and are being carried out as quickly as possible to ensure minimum impact.

We are working closely with the school and the local authorities to establish the circumstances around exactly what has taken place and we have specialist officers supporting the victims.

– Lancashire Police statement

Three men have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

A 40-year-old man from Bolton and a 30-year-old man from Blackburn have been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment and a 53-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment.